Expressive language, including writing and speaking, can do much to complement one another. In ECAW, students are engaged in daily oral language development discussions prior to the planning stage of the writing process.

ECAW teachers have discovered that these discussions lead to many important outcomes.

Talking about the topic engages student interest.

Talking about the topic activates student background knowledge.

Talking about the topic helps students to determine their purpose for writing.

Talking about the topic provides a context for new vocabulary and new concept development.

Talking together creates shared stories among children and teachers.

Talking together builds a sense of community and belonging.

Guided, purposeful discussions of writing prompts, topics, and academic vocabulary is built-in to daily lesson plans and are an essential component of ECAW Instruction